> How about an even simplier solution that doesn't involve capping. Only allow> buildings to add to the civ level if they are occupied. This would limit civ> levels to the density of nobles in the area. After all, a province full of > empty towers is not civilised, its a ghost town :-)

This is a wonderful suggestion. It strikes at the heart of the activity
I want to discourage, and doesn't involve a cap. Bravo.